Cloud 9

Cloud 9, the legendary alias of Gavin Cheung (Nookie), represents the sophisticated, 'intelligent' side of the early 90s UK jungle scene. The sound is defined by a beautiful tension: the drums are hyper-kinetic, featuring complex, chopped-up breakbeats that demand movement, while the melodic elements are lush, expansive, and deeply emotive. It is music that feels both like a high-speed chase and a spiritual awakening.

What sets this project apart is the seamless integration of jazz and soul sensibilities into the hardcore continuum. You will hear warm electric piano chords and ethereal vocal washes floating over punishing sub-bass lines. It avoids the dark, aggressive tropes of tech-step in favor of a more uplifting, 'atmospheric' vibe that paved the way for the liquid drum and bass movement. The production carries that unmistakable 90s hardware grit, giving the music a tactile, dusty quality.

Start with the 'Distant Affairs' era or the classic 'You Got Me Burnin'. These tracks capture the peak of the jungle-to-DnB transition, offering a masterclass in how to make electronic music feel organic and human despite its mechanical foundations. It is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the soulful roots of the UK breakbeat sound.